Compass Bowl: Ole Miss (6-6) vs. Pitt (6-6)

When: Jan. 5

Where: Birmingham, Ala.

Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPN

Hugh Freeze inherited an Ole Miss team that finished 2-10 in 2011 and had low expectations entering the season. Now, here they are, playing in a bowl game after a break-even season in which they nearly beat Texas A&M and LSU. Sophomore QB Bo Wallace gives Ole Miss fans every reason to be optimistic for the future. He has thrown for 2,843 yards and 19 TDs and run for 363 yards and eight more scores this season. Pitt has won four of six, and one of its losses came in three overtimes to Notre Dame. But the Panthers also lost the season opener to Youngstown State. QB Tino Sunseri is a big reason for Pitt’s success. A year after throwing 11 picks and 10 TD passes, he has 19 scores and just two interceptions.

NFL prospect to watch: Ray Graham, RB, Pitt. He has had success as a shifty, quick back who can turn the corner. He is adept at making defenders miss and grinding out the tough yards when there isn’t much there—his 177-yard rushing performance against Notre Dame was a good example.

SN’s pick: Ole Miss. The Rebels cut their teeth down the stretch with tight losses to Vandy and LSU and a win against rival Mississippi State. Freeze will get above .500 in his first season.

Instant replay: Cincinnati’s Ben Mauk threw for 334 yards and four TDs in the 2007 Compass Bowl, a 31-21 victory against Southern Miss. He holds virtually every Compass Bowl passing record, including the one for times intercepted (three).